North County Events from Sept. 23-29
North County San Diego is a diverse and dynamic community, offering an array of cultural, recreational, and educational events for all ages and interests.
If you, or someone you know, would like to promote an event, shoot us an email at ncpipeline760@gmail.com (subject line: The Grapevine) at least two weeks in advance. Please include time, date, address, link and keep it short and sweet!
Here are the latest events for the week of Sept. 23-29:
CARLSBAD
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Candidate forum! Join the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce as it hosts a City Council forum featuring four candidates in two races. The event is from 5:30-7 p.m. on Oct. 3 at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Dr. There are two races this cycle as the District 2 and 4 seats are up. In District 2, Tyler Collins and Kevin Shin are both first-time candidates, while in D4, incumbent Teresa Acosta takes on challenger Greg Day. The event is free and open to the public.
Thanksgiving! Four (very) well-intentioned theatre people walk into an elementary school. The work at hand: a Thanksgiving pageant that won’t ruffle any feathers. What could possibly go wrong? In MacArthur Genius Larissa FastHorse’s skewering and satirical comedy, well, just about everything. Rambunctious, thorny and not altogether politically correct, “The Thanksgiving Play” at New Village Arts serves up the hypocrisies of woke America on a big, family-style platter. Previews are from Oct. 4-11 and opening night is Oct. 12.
Open house! Join the Carlsbad Police, Fire and Public Works departments at their annual public safety open house from 10 a.m.-noon at the Safety Training Center, 5750 Orion St. The free, family-friendly event features demonstrations, access to police, fire and public works vehicles, a barbecue and much more.
Oktoberfest! Join the Carlsbad Rotary clubs for the 42nd annual Oktoberfest from noon-8 p.m. on Oct. 5 at the Strawberry Fields, 1050 Cannon Rd. Indulge in authentic German cuisine from Nava Sausages along with pretzels and strudel, partake in activities for both kids and adults, immerse yourself in live German music, and, of course, relish our vibrant Bier Garten!
Super heroes! Join the city of Carlsbad for its Super Hero Obstacle Race from 8-10 a.m. on Oct. 6 at Alga Norte Community Park, 6565 Alicante Rd. Parents and kids run together through a super hero-themed 2K obstacle course where participants will defeat villains and navigate through 20 obstacles. Participants must be 4 years or older and must register by Oct. 4 (or day of if not sold out). Register here.
Big drive! Join Carlsbad-based The Mitchell Thorp Foundation for its inaugural Par For A Purpose golf tournament on Oct. 21 at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. Whether you're a seasoned pro or trying golf for the first time, all are invited to join the fun in this scramble format. After the tournament, there will be a banquet and awards ceremony where attendees and their guests will enjoy dinner, live entertainment and live and silent auctions. Register here.
DEL MAR
Sept. 29
Pumpkins! Get ready for Halloween and checkout the Pumpkin Station at the east parking lot on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The station will be onsite from Sept. 29-Oct. 27. The station opens at 9 a.m. each day and closes at 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. on weekends.
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Showtime! Check out the fall Home and Garden Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Oct. 5-6. Find deals on kitchen and bath remodeling, home decor and much more!
Choo-choo! All aboard as the Great Train Show returns to the fairgrounds on Oct. 5-6. See the best that the model railroad hobby has to offer — beautifully designed and built model train layouts in operation, scale models of trains, cars and buildings, new products and collectible trains and toys from years past.
Harvest time! Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Harvest Festival at the fairgrounds on Oct. 11-13. The festival is a one-of-a-kind hand curated artisanal shopping experience with a kid zone, food and much more!
Celebrate! Check out the 39th annual River Valley Fest by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy’s largest fundraiser of the year from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at Hilton San Diego Del Mar, 15575 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar. This year’s theme, “A Flourishing Legacy,” honors nearly four decades of dedication to nurturing lands that sustain wildlife and people alike. The program includes a performance by the Rolf Olsen Jazz Quartet, a silent auction and small-plate buffet of gourmet bites to savor throughout the night.
ENCINITAS
Sept. 23
Meet the candidates! The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce’s candidate meet-and-greet will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. today at MiraCosta College, Room 1131, 3333 Manchester Ave. Three seats are up this cycle including mayor and Districts 1 and 2.
Sept. 28
Bike safe! Join the city of Encinitas and San Diego Bicycle Coalition for a bike and e-bike safety and skill classes from 9 a.m.-noon at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr. Participants will learn the rules of the road, essential riding skills, best practices and more. The three-hour session features a lecture, skills drills and a guided road ride. The class is for ages 10 and older and registration is open.
Play time! Check out Kids Day on Sept. 28 at the Cardiff Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. filled with creative learning opportunities for children and their families. The event will feature activities for all ages, including the Little Buds Nature Club, face painting, arts & crafts, and a workshop with Girls Empowerment Movement and Support (GEMS).
Sept. 29
Oktoberfest! Check out the 28th annual Encinitas Oktoberfest from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Mountain Vista Drive. This free and festive community event has a longstanding tradition of celebrating the German roots of our Encinitas area along with showcasing local artisan products, an authentic German beer garden with stage entertainment to include Bavarian music and dance troupes, German refreshments as well as an international food court, carnival ride attractions and a recently added local craft beer garden.
ESCONDIDO
Sept. 25
Network! My San Diego North County presents the ninth annual North County Business Expo and Mega Mixer at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 25. Come and network with North County business professionals from Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Valley Center, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain, Rancho Penasquitos, Ramona and every community in between. Visit the Escondido Chamber table and 40 other vendor tables at the expo.
Sept. 28
Talent show! Join the Patio Playhouse as it hosts The Back to School Talent Bash from 7-9 p.m. at Kit Carson Park. Acts will compete to be crowned the winner of our second annual talent show! Bring the whole family and join the fun and cheer for your favorite. Kids 2 years of age and younger are free. Get tickets here.
Sept. 29
Wedding season! Join Where 2 Or More Gather’s Flower Boutique and Café for its upcoming fall wedding market, a unique wedding planning and shopping experience. The event runs from 2-6 p.m. at 1538 Quail Ridge Rd. Engage with talented local artists and top wedding industry professionals. Explore their exquisite products and services, and see them in action as you plan your dream.
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Candidate forum! The Escondido Chamber of Commerce is hosting its City Council candidate forum from 7-9 p.m. on Oct 3 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, conference center. Doors open at 6 p.m. The races are for Districts 3 and 4.
Festival! Check out the Escondido Downtown Business Association’s annual Grand Avenue Festival from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 20 in downtown Escondido. This year’s festival will include live music from WildCat Guitars, a beer and wine garden and Art in the Garden at Heritage Park. Shop from hundreds of vendors including unique hand-crafted gifts, imports, and delicious international cuisine.
OCEANSIDE
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VIP party! Take part in the Taste of Oceanside VIP experience hosted by Mainstreet Oceanside from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Oceanside Museum of Art. Enjoy delicious bites, desserts, and drinks. Live entertainment will be provided. Additionally, the museum's first-floor gallery will be accessible for viewing and the museum gift shop will be open for early holiday shopping.
Celebrate writers! Join the Oceanside Public Library for its 23rd annual Write On, Oceanside! from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 330 N. Coast Highway. The event is an annual literary festival to celebrate and inspire local authors. Over the past few years, it has grown into one of the largest literary fairs in the county.
Taste Oside! Check out the 10th annual Taste of Oceanside from 1:30-5 p.m. on Oct. 5 in downtown Oceanside. foot or hop on the free ‘Taste Trolley’ to taste and sip their way through Oceanside’s exciting food and brew scene. For those 21 and older, the food and beverage combo ticket offers the chance to sample sips from the community’s vibrant craft breweries and wineries at participating stores and offices. Tickets are limited.
Seniors! Check out the Oceanside Senior Expo from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the William Wagner Aquatic Center, 3306 Senior Center Dr. This popular event will feature health-related businesses, non-profits and senior organizations. In addition, exhibitors have an opportunity to offer variety of free health-related screenings and demonstrations for the public. The event is free to the public. Tabletop exhibit space is available for businesses interested in promoting their products or services. Register here.
Open house! Join the Oceanside Fire Department for its open house at the Fire Department Training Center, 110 Jones Rd., from 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 12. The family-friendly event includes meeting the fire chief, seeing fire trucks up close, a pancake fundraiser from 9-10 a.m. and much more.
SAN MARCOS
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Hiking! Join the city of San Marcos for a moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from 8-11 a.m. on Oct. 5 starting at San Elijo Hills Park. Hikers will take in a circle tour of the south San Elijo Hills area. Trails to be explored will include the Copper Creek, Garden, Wild Canyon and Make-A-Wish trails. Expect 760 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the park at 7:30 a.m.
Fire trucks! Join the city of San Marcos and the San Marcos Fire Department’s 2024 Open House on Oct. 5, located at San Marcos Fire Station 1, 180 W. Mission Rd. There will activities for the entire family, a barebcue, firetrucks, ambulances, sheriff’s cars and Sparky the Fire Dog.
Halloween party! Join the city of San Marcos at its annual Family Night Halloween Party at Woodland Park, 1148 Rock Springs Rd., from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 5. Tickets are $7 and kids under 18 months are free. Tickets here.
SOLANA BEACH
Sept. 23
Attention music lovers. Check out the famous BellyUp. This week’s lineup consists of Ana Popovic (Sept. 23), Julian Lage (Sept. 24), Built to Spill (Sept. 25), Hayes Carll adn The Band of Heathens (Sept. 26), Super Nacho (Sept. 27) Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers (Sept. 27), Jason Mraz (Sept. 28) and Sue Palmer and Her Motel Swing Orchestra (Sept. 29).
Sept. 26
Expo! Check out the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual Business Expo from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club. More than 30 local businesses will be in attendance, while the event features networking, entertainment, food and much more.
Sept. 29
Bike safety! Join the city of Solana Beach and San Diego Bicycle Coalition for a city cycling workshop from 9 a.m.-noon on Sept. 29 at City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101. The class will teach road rules, where to ride, general bike safety, emergency maneuvers, legal rights, responsibilities on the road and practicing everything through skills drills. Those skills will then be put into action through a guided road ride with the bike coalition. Save your spot here.
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Celebrate! Come join the City of Solana Beach and the La Colonia Community Foundation in celebrating Día de los Muertos while honoring the ancestral legacy of La Colonia de Eden Gardens. Solana Beach’s annual Día de los Muertos — “Day of the Dead” — will be held on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave.
VISTA
Sept. 23
Candidate forum! The Vista Chamber of Commerce hosts its candidates forum. Up this year are the D2 and D3 seats and the forum will be from 6-7:30 p.m. today at the Vista Civic Center community room, 200 Civic Center Dr.
Sept. 25
Musical! Check out the Moonlight Stage Productions presentation of “Tootsie” from Sept. 25-28 at the Moonlight Amphitheater. The show is a musical comedy based on the 1982 American film of the same name where the lead character, Michael, has a bright idea and decides to make one last-ditch effort at achieving theatrical success. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. and get tickets here.
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Open houses! Join the Vista Fire Department as it hosts five open houses this month. Residents can visit Fire Station #2, 1050 Valley Dr., on Oct. 5; Fire Station #4, 2121 Thibodo Rd., on Oct. 12; Fire Station #5, 2009 S Melrose Dr., on Oct. 19; and Fire Station #6, 651 E Vista Way, on Oct. 26. The stations will be open from 1-3 p.m. each day.
Farmer’s Markets
The Grand Farmers Market runs from 2:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday on Juniper Street between Grand Avenue and Valley Parkway at Heritage Park. The market has a great selection of produce and meats with a variety of vendors.
The open-air San Marcos Farmer’s Market is year-round and is held every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. at 251 N. City Dr. off Twin Oaks Valley Road and across from Cal-State San Marcos.
The State Street Farmer’s Market in Carlsbad is every Wednesday from 2:30-6 p.m. on State Street between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. This lively market features amazing produce, organic eats, locally prepared food, live entertainment and an all-around good vibe.
*Note: The State Street Farmer’s Market spring/summer hours are 2:30-7 p.m. from March 10 through Nov. 3.
The Oceanside Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Sunset Market every Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at the corner of Pier View Way and Coast Highway. The popular market provides a delicious display of local produce, meats, flowers and nursery items!
The Vista Farmer’s Market is the county’s longest running market and is every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine at the San Diego County Courthouse, 345 S. Melrose Dr.
The Cardiff Farmer’s Market at Mira Costa College, 3333 Manchester Ave., runs every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features numerous international food vendors, food and plant vendors plus much more!
The Del Mar Farmer's Market is the second oldest in the region and is every Saturday from noon–4 p.m. on the lower outdoor parking lot at the Del Mar Civic Center, 1050 Camino Del Mar. This certified, non-profit market brings to the community a variety of fresh local produce, seafood, fresh coffee, locally prepared international specialty foods to enjoy on-site or to take home, artisan creations, and live music.
The Leucadia Farmer’s Market is every Sunday (except Easter) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Paul Ecke Central School, 185 Union St. in Encinitas. The market has a great collection of more than 30 certified growers, 10 certified organic and more than 70 total vendors.
The Bonsall Farmer’s Market and Open Air Faire runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday at Bonsall Elementary School, 31555 Old River Rd. The market highlights fresh garden-to-table locally grown fruits, veggies, hormone-free meat, local artisan cheese and much more.
The Solana Beach Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday from noon-4 p.m. (except on Easter, July 4, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) The market features organic farmers with nature's finest produce to skilled artisans crafting one-of-a-kind creations, our vendor lineup is a celebration of local talent and creativity.